This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool have contacted Anzhi Makhachkala to express their interest in attacking midfielder Willian.

The ECHO understands a bid has yet to be tabled for the Brazil international but the Reds are keen to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield.

Willian only joined the Russian big-spenders for £32million from Shakhtar Donetsk in January but they are willing to sell as billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov looks to cut costs.

Liverpool face competition for his signature with Tottenham also understood to be interested. The player's £100,000 per week wages are a potential stumbling block.

Willian, who has two caps for his country, is a left-sided attacker who has previously indicated his desire to play Premier League football.

He started his career at Corinthians in his homeland before moving to Shakhtar for 14million euros in August 2007. He helped them clinch four Ukrainian league titles and the 2009 UEFA Cup before heading for Anzhi earlier this year.